The United States on Thursday denounced the recent terror attack in Pahalgam, Jammu and Kashmir, as "heinous," and reaffirmed its strong support for India.
While Washington did not directly blame Pakistan, it made it clear that it is keeping a close eye on the unfolding situation.
"US stands with India and strongly condemns all forms of terrorism," US State Department Spokesperson Tammy Bruce stated in a press briefing, echoing the tone adopted by earlier in the day by President Donald Trump and Secretary of State Marco Rubio.
"We desire the death of those murdered and wish well for the safety of the injured, and appeal to the powers of evil that have perpetrated this crime to be punished."
When asked if the US is holding Pakistan responsible for the attack, Bruce said, "It was a horrific scene, but at the same time, that's really going to be the level of the comment at this point. What I can tell you is, of course, as we all know, it's a very fluid situation, and we're following it very closely, as you can imagine. And we, of course, are not now taking a position on the status of Kashmir or of Jammu either."
Following Tuesday's assault, President Trump promptly called Prime Minister Narendra Modi to express solidarity, underscoring Washington's swift response.
US Vice President J.D. Vance, who concluded a four-day India tour, also had something to say about the attack.
"I would just like, naturally, to express our sympathies to the people of Kashmir who endured this abhorrent terrorist attack. The President has already spoken with Prime Minister Modi. I believe I will be speaking with him later today. And obviously, we're providing whatever assistance and aid we can provide to the government and to the people of India."
President Trump and the government have continuously expressed strong support for India's fight against terrorism.
Specifically, during February, when Prime Minister Modi visited the White House, Trump himself personally guaranteed extradition of Tahawwur Rana — who is targeted by Indian officials on terror-related charges in connection with the 2008 Mumbai attacks. Rana was later extradited to Indian law enforcement.
Read also| Russia Asserts Full Control Over Kursk Region, Declares Liberation from Ukrainian Forces
